Lake Strause near Fredericksburg: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Look for Lake Strause in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania. It sits in mixed woodland country. At roughly 10 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. By elevation it sits in the lower part of our Pennsylvania listings. Fredericksburg at 3 miles is the nearest place to stop. Jonestown is 4.9 miles and Pine Grove 5.8 miles. It sits near the edge of the county, so check which rules apply.

• Where to Fish on Lake Strause

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. The old creek line under the surface is the feature worth finding. Look for where the old bank line still shows under the surface. County-wide records name bluegill, white crappie, brown trout, largemouth bass and black crappie. County records show what lives in the area; the local agency holds the water-by-water list. The shape of Lake Strause decides where the fish sit.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The year swings from about 28°F in January to roughly 73°F in July. Conditions shift steadily rather than sharply. Cover comes and goes, so treat it with suspicion rather than trust. February into May fishes hardest as the water warms. Anyone fishing Lake Strause regularly works to that calendar.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access status is simply unknown for this water. The closest car park is half a mile away, so pack accordingly. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Gates get locked out of season on water like this. Barbless rules turn up on managed water more often than not. If the gate is shut, Lake Weiss at 0.4 miles is the nearest alternative. Treat access at Lake Strause as something to verify.